4/Z6> 


III  Mill  II  INI  II II II I  Ml 
D03209686Y 


MESSAGE  OF  THE  PRESIDENT. 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 
April   10,   1862. 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatii 

of  the  Confederate  States : 

I  herewith  transmit  to  Congress  a  communication  from 
the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  covering  a  "detailed  report  of 
Flag  Officer  Buchanan,  of  the  brilliant  triumph  of  his  squad- 
ron over  the  vastly  superior  forces  of  the  enemy,  in  Hamp- 
ton Roads,  on  the  8th  and  9th  of  March  last." 

.   JEFFERSON  DAYIS. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2011  with  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


http://www.archive.org/details/reportofflagoffiOOconf 


LETTER  OF  SECRETARY  OF  THE  NAVY. 


CONFEDERATE  STATES  OF  AMERICA,  ) 

Navy  Department,  \ 

Richmond,  April  7th,   1862.      ) 

To  the  President : 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  herewith  copy  "of  the 
detailed  report  of  Flag  Officer  Buchanan,  of  the  brilliant 
triumph  of  his  squadroD  over  the  vastly  superior  forces  of 
the  enemy,  in  Hampton  Roads,  on  the  8th  and  9th  of  March 
last,  a  brief  report,  by  Lieut,  Jones,  of  the  battle  of  the 
8th,  having  been  previously  made. 

The  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  of  the  squadron,  in 
this  contest,  reflects  unfading  honor  upon  themselves  and 
upon  the  navy.  The  report  will  be  read  with  deep  interest, 
and  its  details  will  not  fail  to  rouse  the  ardor  and  nerve  the 
arms  of  our  gallant  seamen. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  Virginia  was  a  novelty  in 
naval  architecture,  wholly  unlike  any  ship  that  ever  floated; 
that  her  heaviest  guns  were  equal  novelties  in  ordnance; 
that  her  motive  power  and  her  obedience  to  her  helm  were 
untried,  and  her  officers  and  crew  strangers,  comparatively, 
to  the  ship  and  to  each  other;  and  yet,  under  all  these  dis- 
advantages, the  dashing  courage  and  consummate  profes- 
sional ability  of  Flag  Officer  Buchanan  and  hi  >ciates, 
achieved  the  most  remarkable  victory  which  naval  annals' 
record. 

^  When  the  Flag  Officer  was  disabled,  the  command  of  the 
Virginia  devolved  upon  her  Executive  and  Ordnance  Officer, 
Lieut,  Catesby  Ap  R,  Jones,  and  the  cool  and  masterly 
manner  in  which  he  fought  the  ship  in  her  encounter  with 
the  iron-clad  Monitor,  justified  the  high  estimate  which  the 
country  places  upon  his  professional  merit. 

To  his  experience,  skill  and  untiring  industry,  as  her 
Ordnance  and  Executive  Officer,  the  terrible  effect  of  her 
fire  was  greatly  due.  Her  battery  was  determined  in  ac- 
cordance with  his  suggestions,  and' in  all  investigations  and 


tests,  which  resulted  in  its  thorough  efficiency,  he  v 
ousl 

Th<  of  commendation  the   Fla  r,  in 

y  the  conduct  of  his  offic  >t  the 

cord":  nt  of  the  Department;  and  the  concui 

•nony    of    thousands    who    wi  the   engagement, 

places  his  own  conducl 
With  mi 

Your  obedient  servant, 

S.  R.  MALLORY, 


REPORT  OF  FLAG  OFFICER  BUCHANAN. 


Naval  Hospital, 
Norfolk,  March  27th,  18 

Sir  :  Having  been  confined  to  my  bed  in  this  building 
since  the  9th   inst.,  in  consequence  of  a  wound  receiv 

ction  of  the  previous  day,  I  have  not  had  it  in  my 
power  at  an  earlier  date  to  prepare  the  official  report,  which 
I  now  have  the  honor  to  submit,  of  the  proceedings  on  the 
Sth  and  9th  insts.,  of  the  James  River  Squadron  under  my 
command,  composed  of  the  following  nai  imcr 

Virginia,  Flag  Ship,  ten  guns;  steamer  Patrick  Henry, 
twelve  guns,  Commander  John  R.  Tucker ; 
town,  Lieut.  Commanding  J.  N.  Barney,  two  guns;  and 
gunboats  Teazer,  Lieut.  Commanding  W.  A.  Webb;  Beau- 
fort, Lieut.  Commanding  W.  II.  Parker,  and  Raleigh,  Lieut. 
Commanding  J.  W.  Alexander,  each  one  gun.  Total  27 
guns. 

On  the  8th  inst.,  at  11,  A.  M.,  the  Virginia  left  the  Na- 
vy-Yard, Norfolk,  accompanied  by  the  Ra]  id  Beau- 
fort, and  proceeded  to  Newport  News  to  engage  the  enemy's 
frigates  Cumberland  and  Congress,  gunboats  and  shore  bat- 
teries. When  within  less  than  a  mile  of  the  Cumberland, 
the  Virginia  commenced  the  engagement  with  that  ship  with 
her  bow  gun,  and  the  action  soon  became  general,  the  Cum- 
berland, Congress,  gunboats  and  shore  batteries  concentrat- 
ing upon  us  their  heavy  fire,  which  was  returned  with  great 
spirit  and  determination.  The  Virginia  stood  rapidly  on 
towards  the  Cumberland,  which  ship  I  bad  determined  to 
sink  with  our  prow,  if  possible.  In  about  fifteen  minutes 
after  the  action  commenced  we  ran  into  her  on  her  starboard 
bow;  the  crash  below  the  water  was  distinctly  heard,  and 
she  commenced  sinking,  gallantly  fighting  her  guns  as  long 
as  they  were  above  water.  She  went  down  with  her  colors 
flying.  During  this  time  the  shore  batteries,  Congress,  and 
gunboats  kept  up  their  heavy  concentrated  fire  upon  us,  do- 


ing   us  some  injury.     Our  guns,  however,  ol    idle; 

■   to  the  sh  and 

sis,  and  we  v.  I  mtly  bus!  lined  I  -;  of  the 

squad 

JUS1    after  the   Cumberland    Bunk,   that  gallanl 

rohn  R.  Tucker,  was  Been  star  o  James 

sr  under  full  steam,  panied  b;  imestown  and 

t.     Th< 

I  to  the  heavy  fi]  Their  escape 

miraculoi  were  under  a  galling  fire  of  Bolid 

r  of  which  passed  through 
the  vessels  without  doing  any  serious  injury,  <  •  the 

•ick  Henry,  th  ■  boiler  a  Bhot  passed,  scalding 

to  death  ,  and  wounding  others.     Lieut.  Com- 

manding Barney  prom;?!;;  obeyed  a  signal  to  tow  her  out  of 
the  action.     Ass  tired,  the  Patrick 

Henry  returned  t  tion  and  continued  to  perform 

service  during  the  remainder  of   that  day  and  the  follov 
Having  sunk  the   Cumberland,  I  turned  our  attention  to 
We  were  some  time  in  getting  our   proper 
ition    in  consequence  of  the  shoalness  of  the  water 

difficulty  of  managing  the  ship  when  in  or  near 
the  mud.     To  succeed  in  ct,  I  was  ol  !:  i  run 

the  ship  a  short  distance  above  the  batteries  on  James  ]'. 
in  order  to  wind  her.     During  all  the  time  her  keel  was  in 

I  but  slowly.     Thus  we  were 
I  twice  to  the  heavy  guns  of  all  the  batteries  in  pass- 
ing up  and  down  the  river,  but  it  could  not  be  avoided.    We 
ral  of  the  batteries,   and  did  much  injury  on 

the  whari 
blown  up,  one  schooner  sunk,  and  another  captured  and 
to  Norfolk.     The  loss  of  life  on  shore  we  have  no  means  of 
ascertain 

While  I  "iiia  was  thus  engaged  in  getting  her  posi- 

tion for  attacking  the  Con  ite  it  was 

believed  on  board  that  ship  that  we  had  hauled  off;   the  men 
lei t  tl  is  and  gave  tl  .   They  were  soon  sadly 

undeceived,  for  a  few  minutes  after  we   opened   upon  her 

.   The  carnage, 
havoc  and  di  by  our  lire  compelled  them  to  haul 

down  th  .  and  to  hoist  a  white  Hag  at  their  gaft  and 

half  nether  at  the  main.     The  crew   instantly 

took'  Handed.     Our  fire  immedi 

and  a  signal  ade  for  the  Beaufort  to  come  within  hail. 


I  then  ordered  Lieut.  Commanding  Parker  to  take  posses- 
sion of  the  Congress,  secure  the  officers  as  prisoners,  allow 
the  crew  to  land,  and  burn  the  ship.  He  ran  alongside,  re- 
ceived her  flag  and  surrender  from  Commander  Wm.  Smith 
and  Lieut.  Pendergrast,  with  the  side-arms  of  those  officers. 
They  delivered  themselves  as  prisoners  of  war  on  board  the 
Beaufort,  and  afterwards  were  permitted,  at  their  own  re- 
quest, to  return  to  the  Congress  to  assist  in  removing  the 
wounded  to  the  Beaufort.  They  never  returned,  and  I  sub- 
mit to  the  decision  of  the  Department  whether  they  are  not 
our  prisoners.  While  the  Beaufort  and  Raleigh  were  along- 
side the  Congress,  and  the  surrender  of  that  vessel  had  been 
received  from  the  commander,  she  having  two  white 
flying,  hoisted  by  her  own  people,  a  heavy  fire  was  op 
upon  them  from  the  shore  and  from  the  Congn  ss,  killing 
some  valuable  officers  and  men.  Under  this  fire  the  steam- 
ers left  the  Congress;  but  as  I  was  not  informed  that  any 
injury  had  been  sustained  by  those  vessels  at  that  time, 
Lieut.  Commanding  Parker  having  failed  to  report  to  me,  I 
took  it  for  granted  that  my  order  to  him  to  bum  her  had 
executed,  and  waited  some  minutes  to  see  the  smoke  ascend- 
ing from  her  hatches.  During  this  delay  we  were  still 
jected  to  the  heavy  fire  from  the  batteries,  which  was  always 
promptly  returned. 

The  steam  frigates  Minnesota  and  Roanoke,  and  the  sail- 
ing frigate  St.  Lawrence,  had  previously  been  reported  as 
coming  from  Old  Point,  but  as  I  was  determined  that  the 
Congress  should  not  again  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy, 
I  remarked  to  that  gallant  young  officer,  Flag  Lieut.  Minor, 
"that  ship  must  be  burned."  lie  promptly  volunteered  to 
take  a  boat  and  burn  her,  and  the  Teazer,  Lieut.  Command- 
ing; Webb,  was  ordered  to  cover  the  boat.  Lieut.  Minor  had 
scarcely  r  within  fifty  yards  of  the  Congress,  when  a 

deadly  fire  was  opened  upon  him,  wounding  him  severely 
and  several  of  his  men.  On  witnessing  this  vile  treachery, 
1  instantly  recalled  the  boat  and  ordered  the  Congress  de- 
stroyed by  hot  shot  and  incendiary  shell.  About  this  pe- 
riod I  was  disabled,  and  transferred  the  command  of  the  ship 
to  that  gallant,  intelligent  officer,  Lieut.  Catesby  Jones, 
with  orders  to  fight  her  as  long  as  the  men  could  stand  to 
their  guns. 

The  ships  from  Old  Point  opened  their  fire  upon  us.  The 
Minnesota  grounded  in  the  north  channel,  where  unfortu- 
nately the  shoalness  of  the  channel   prevented  our  near  ap- 


proaclu     "We  continued,  however,  to  fire  upon  her  until  the 

pilot  main  in   that 

position,  and  we  accordingly  returned  by  the  south  channel, 
(the  fily  beti 

and  Mini  St.  Lawrence  and  the  Ro  ring 

i  had  an 
opportunity  of  opening   upon  the  Minnesota,   i  her 

y  fire  in  retui  upon   the   St. 

Lawrence,  fr  . 

e  dark  and   we  soon  after 
>red  oil"  I  int.     Tlic  rest  of  tl  Iron   fol- 

lowed our.  movements,  with  tl  of  the   Beaufort, 

Lieut.  Command:;.  r,  who  proceeded  to  Norfolk  with 

the  wounded  and  •  soon  as  he  had   left  the  Con- 

gress, without  report!  ).     The  Congress  ha 

set  on  fire  by  our  hot  shot  and  incendiary  shell,  continued 
to  burn,  her  I  Lccessively  disc], 

the  flames  reached  them,  until  a  few  minul  night 

when  her  magazine  exploded  •,  is  report. 

The   fa<  e  stated  as   having   occurred  after  I  had 

lip  in   charge  of  Lieut.  Jones,  were  reported  to 
me  by  that  officer. 

At  an  early  hour  next  morning,  (the  9th,)  upon  the  uv 
solicitations  of  the  Surgeons,  Lieutenant  Minor  and  myself 
were  very  reluctantly  taken  on  The  accommodations 

for  the  proper  treatment  of  wounded   persons  on   board  the 

are  exc<  limited,  Lieut.  Minor   and  m; 

occupying  the  only  space  that  could  be  used  for  that  pur] 

in.  I  therefore  consented  to  our  being 
landed,  on  Sewell's  Point,  thinking  that  the  room  on  board 
vacated  by  us,  could  be  us  hose  who 

.  the  renewal  of  the  action.     In  the   course  of  the  day, 
Lieut.  Minor  and  myself  v  I  in  a  steamer  to  the  hos- 

pital at  Norfolk. 

The  followi  extract!  '   utenant 

Jones,  of  the  lings  of  the  Virginia  on  the  9th: 

"  At  daylight  on  the  9th  we  at  the  Minnesota  was 

still  ashore,  and  that  there  iron  battery  near  her.     At 

8  we  ran  down  to  engage  ously  sent  the 

killed  and  wounded  out  of  the  ship)  firing  at  the  Minnesota, 
and  occasionally  at  the  iron  battery.  The  pilots  did  not 
place  us  as  near  as  they  expected.  The  great  length  and 
draft  of  the  ship  rendered  it  exceedingly  difficult  to  work 
hor ;  we  ran  ashore  about  a  mile  from  the  frigate  and  were 


backing  fifteen  minutes  before  we  got  off.  We  continued  to 
fire  at  the  Minnesota,  and  blew  up  a  steamer  along-side  of 
her;  and  we  also  engaged  the  Monitor,  sometimes  at  very 
close  quarters ;  we  once  succeeded  in  running  into  her,  and 
twice  silenced  her  fire.  The  pilots  declaring  that  we  could 
get  no  nearer  the  Minnesota  and  believing  her  to  be  entirely 
disabled,  and  the  Monitor  having  to  run  into  shoal  water, 
which  prevented  our  doing  her  any  further  injury,  we  ceased 
firing  at  12,  and  proceeded  to  Norfolk. 

"  Our  loss  is  two  killed  and  nineteen  wounded.  The  stem 
is  twisted,  and  the  ship  leaks,  we  have  lost  the  prow,  star- 
board anchor  and  all  the  boats  ;  the  armor  is  somewhat  dam- 
aged, the  steam  pipe  and  smokestack  both  riddled,  the  muz- 
zles of  two  of  the  guns  shot  away.  It  was  not  easy  to  keep 
a  flag  flying  ;  the  flag  staffs  were  repeatedly  shot  away ;  the 
colors  were  hoisted  to  the  smoke  stack  and  sever;)  1  times  cut 
down  from  it." 

The  bearing  of  the  men  was  all  that  could  be  desired; 
their  enthusiasm  could  scarcely  be  restrained.  During  the 
action  they  cheered  again  and  again.  Their  coolness  and 
skill  were  the  more  remarkable,  from  the  fact- that  the  great 
majority  of  them  were  under  fire  for  the  first  time;  they 
were  strangers  to  each  other  and  to  the  offi  I  bad  but 

a  few  day's  instruction  in  the  mnn.  <.>f  the  great  guns. 

To  the  skill  and  example  of  the  officersis  this  result  in  no 
small  degree  attributable." 

Having  thus  given  a  full  report  of  the  actions  on  the  8th, 
and  9th,  I  feel  it  due  to  the  gallant  officers  who  so  nobly  sus- 
tained the  honor  of  the  flag  and  country  on  those  days,  to 
express  my  appreciation  of  their  conduct. 

To  that  brave  and  intelligent  officer,  Lieutenant  Catcsby 
Jones,  the  executive  and  ordnance  officer  of  the  Virginia,  I 
am  greatly  indebted  for  the  success  achieved.  His  constant 
attention  to  his  duties  in  the  equipment  of  the  ship;  his  in- 
telligence in  the  instruction  of  ordnance  to  the  crew,  as 
proved  by  the  accuracy  and  effect  of  their  fire — some  of  the 
guns  having  been  personally  directed  by  him,  his  tact  and 
management  in  the  government  of  raw  recruits,  his  ge: 
knowledge  of  the  executive  duties  of  a  man-of-war,  together 
with  his  high  toned  bearing  were  all  eminently  conspicuous, 
and  had  their  fruits  in  the  admirable  efficiency  of  the  Vir- 
ginia. If  conduct  such  as  his — and  I  do  not  know  that  I 
have  used  adequate  language  in  describing  it,  entitles  an  of- 
ficer to  promotion,  I  see  in  the  case  of  Lieutenant  Jones  one 


10 


in  all  respects  worthy  of  it.  As  flag  officer  I  am  entitled  to 
some  one  to  perforin  the  duties  of  flag  captain,  and  1  shouM 
be  proud  to  have  Lieutenant  Jones  ordered  to  the  Virginia 
as  Lieutenant  Commandant,  if  it  be  not  the  intention  of  the 
department  to  bestow  upon  him  a  higher  rank. 

Lieut.  Simms  fully  sustained  his  well  earned  reputation. 
lie  fired  the  first  gun,  and  when  the  command  devolved  upon 
Lieut.  Jones,  in  consequence  of  my  disability,  he  was  order- 
ed to  perform  the  duties  of  executive  officer.  Lieut.  Jcnes 
has  expressed  to  me  liis  satisfaction  in  having  had  the  ser- 
vices of  so  experienced,  energetic  and  zealous  an  oi 

Lieut.  Davidson  fought  Ins  guns  with  great  precision. 
The  muzzle  of  one  of  them  wal  soon  shot  away;  he  contin- 
ued, however,  to  fire  it,  though  the  wood  work  around  the 
port  became  ignited  at  each  discharge.  His  buoyant  and 
cheerful  hearing  and  v  >iee  were  contagious  and  inspiring. 
Lieut.  Wood  handled  his  pivot  gun  admirably,  and  the  ex- 
ecutive officer  testifies  to  his  valuable  suggestions  during  the 
action.  His  zeal  and  industry  in  drilling  the  crew  contri- 
buted materially  to  our  success. 

Lieut.  Eggleston  served  his  hot  shot  and  shell  with  judg- 
ment and  his  hearing  was  deliberate,  and  exerted 
a  happy  influence  on  his  division. 

Lieut.  Butt  fought  his  pi\\n  with  activity,  and  during  the 
action  was  gay  and  smiling. 

The  Marine  Corps  was  well  represented  by  Capt.  Thorn, 
whose  tranquil  mien  gave  evidence  that  the  hottest  fire  was 
no  novelty  to  him.  One  of  his  guns  was  served  effectively 
aru\  credi  y  a  detachment  of  the  United  Artillery,  of 

Norfolk,  under  the  command  of  Captain  Kevill.  The  muz- 
zle of  their  gun  was  struck  by  a  shell  from  the  enemy,  which 
broke  off  a  piece  of  the  gun,  but  they  continued  to  lire  as  if 
it  was  uninjured. 

Midshipmen  Foute,  Marmaduke,  Littlepage,  Craig  and 
Long  rendered  valuable  services.  Their  conduct  would  have 
been  creditable  to  older  heads,  and  gave  great  promi 
future  usefulness.  Midshipman  Marmaduke,  though  receiv- 
ing several  painful  wounds  early  in  the  action,  manfully 
fought  his  gun  until  the  close,  lie  is  now  at  the  hospital. 
Paymaster  Semple  volunteered  for  any  service,  and  was 
assigned  to  the  command  of  the  powder  division,  an  impor- 
tant  and  complicated  duty  which  could  not  have  been  better 
performed. 


II 

Surgeon  Phillips  and  Assistant  Surgeon  Garnett  were 
prompt  and  attentive  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties ;  their 
kind  and  considerate  care  of  the  wounded,  and  the  skill  and 
ability  displayed  in  the  treatment  won  for  them  the  esteem 
and  gratitude  of  all  who  came  under  their  charge,  and  justly 
entitled  them  to  the  confidence  of  officers  and  crew.  I  beg 
leave  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Department  to  the  case  of 
Dr.  Garnett.     lie  stands  liy  high  in  his  profession, 

is  at  the  head  of  the  list  of  assistant  surgeons,  and  tl 
being  a  vacancy,  in  consequence  of  the  recent  death  of  Sur- 
geon Blacknall,  I  should  be  much  gratified  if  Dr.  Gan 
could  be  promoted  to  it. 

The  engines  and  machinery,  upon  which  so  much  depen 
performed   much   better  than  was  expected.     This  is  due  to 
the  intelligence,    experience    and   coolness  of  Acting  Chief 
Engineer   Ramsey.     His  efforts  were  ably  seconded  by  his 
assistants,  Tynan,  Campbell,  Herring,  Jack  and  White. 
Mr.  Ramsey  is  only   Acting  Chief  Engineer.  I  respectfully 
recommend  his  promotion   to  the  rank  of  Chief;   and  v 
also  ask   that   second  ;;eer  Campbell  may  be 

promoted  to  first  Assistant — lie  having  performed  the  duties 
of  tl  during  I  he  •  lent. 

The  forward  officers,  boatswain  Hasker,  gunner  Oliver, 
and  carpenter  Lindsey,  discharged  well  all  the  duties  re- 
quired of  them.  The  boatswain  had  charge  of  a  gun,  and 
fought  it  .well.     The  gunner  was  indefi  in  his  efforts; 

his  experience  and  exertions  as  •<  e  contributed 

very  materially  to  the  efficiency  of  the  batl 

Acting  Master  Parrish  was   assisted  in  piloting  the 
by  pilots  "Wright,  Williams,  (Mark  and  Cunningham.     They 
were  necessarily  much  exposed. 

It  is  now  due  that  I  should  mention  my  personal  staff.  To 
that  gallant  your-  Mag  Lieutenant  Minor,  I  am  much 

indebted  for  his  promptness  in  the  execution  of  signals,  for 
renewing   the   flag-staifs   when    shot   a 

greatly    e  —  'ness  in  keeping  the  Con- 

federate flag  up;  his  alacrity  in  conveying  my  orders  to  the 
different  divisions,  and  for  his  general,  cool  and  gallant 
bearing. 

My  aid.  Acting  Mid'n  Rootes,  of  the  Navy.  Lieutenant 
Forrest,  of  the   An  id  as  a  volunteer  aid,  and 

my   clerk,  Mr.    Arthu  lair,  Jun'r,  are  entitled  to  my 

thanks  for  the  activity  with  which  my  orders  were  conveyed 
to  the  different  parts  of  the  ship.     During  the  hottest  of  the 


12 

ice  of 
their  coolness.      Baying  referred  to  the  good  conduct  of  the 
•rs  in   the  flag-ship,   imn  under  my   noti 

now   to  no   I  task,  when  I  attempt  to  mark 

my  approbation  of  tli  :  of  these  Berving  in  the  other 

>n. 
Comnfr  Jno.  R.  Tucker,  of  the  Patrick  Henry  iuts. 

Com'dg  J.  N.  Barney,  of  tl  n,  and  W.  A.  V 

of  the  Te  erve  great  praise  for  their  gallant  conduct 

nt.     Their  judgment  in  s  lecting 

•  positions  for  attacking  the  enemy  was  good  con- 

•  tire  was  destructive,  and  contributed  much  to  the  sue- 
of  the   day.     The   '-general   order,"  under   which  the 

'.to   action,  required,  that  in  the  absence  of 
ich  commanding  officer  was  to  exerci  &e  hi 
ment  and  discretion  in  doing  all  the  damage  he  could  to 
the   enemy,   and   to   sink   before    surrendering.     From  the 
bearing  of  those  officers,  on  the  8th,  I  am  fully  satisfied  that 
order  would  have  been  carried  out. 
mmander  Tucker  sp<  hly  of  all  und  and 

es  particularly  to  notice  that  Lieut.  Colonel  Cadwalla- 
'.  commanding  the  post  at  Mulberry  Is- 
land, on  h  of  the  deficiency  in  the  complement  of  the 
promptly  offered  the  services  of  ten  of  his 
:          as  volunteers  for  the   occasion,  one  of  whom.  Geo.  E. 
b,  of  the  ';  Greenville  Guards,"  Commander  Tucker  re- 
;  to  say,  was  killed. 
Lieut.  Comd'g  Barney  reports   "every  officer   and   man 
on  board  of  the   ship  performed  his  whole  duty,  evincing  a 
coura,  ness  worthy  of  the  cause  for  which  we 
. 

Lieut.    Comd'g  Webb  specially   notices  the  coolness  dis- 
d  by  Acti  '  third  Assistant  Engineer 

Quinn,  v  of  artillery  and  muski 

the  shore,  whilst  the  "Teazer"  was  standing  mi  to  cover 
the  boat  in  which,  as  previously  stated,  Lieutenant  Minor 
Lad  gone  to  burn  the  "  Congress."  Several  of  his  men 
were  badly  wounded. 

The  "  Raleigh,"  early  in  the  action,  had  her  gun-carrii 
di     bled,  which  compelled  her  to  withdraw.  is  he 

had  repaired  damages  as  well  as  he  could,  Lieut.  Comd'g 
Alexander  resumed  his  position  in  the  line.  lie  sustained 
himself  gallantly  during  the  remainder  of  the  day,  and 
speaks  highly  of  all  under  his  command.  That  evening  he 
was  ordered  to  Norfolk  for  repairs. 


13 

The  Beaufort,  Lieut.  Comd'g  Parker,  was  in  close  contact 
with  the  enemy  frequently  during  the  day,  and  all  on  1  I 
behaved  gallantly. 

Lieut.  Comd'g  Parker  expresses  his  warmest  thanks  to  his 
officers  and   men   for  their   coolness.     Acting   Midshipman 
Foreman,  who  accompanied  him  as  volunteer  aid,  Mid 
man  Mallory  and  Newton,   Captain's  clerk,  Pain,  and  Mr. 
Gray,  pilot,  are  all  specially  mentioned  by  him. 

On  the  21st  inst.,  I   forwarded  to  the  Department  correct 
lists  of  the  casualties  on  board  all  the  vessels  of  th 
ron,  on  the  8th ;  none,  it  appears,  occurred  on  the  9th. 

While   in   the   act   of  closing   this   report,  J  i 
communication  of  the  Dep  id  in3t.,  relie 

me  temporarily  of  the  command  of  the  squadron  foi 
naval  defences  of  James  River.  I  feel  honored  in  be-in 
lieved  by  the  gallant  Flag  Officer,  Tatnall. 

I  much  regret  that  I  am  not  now  in  a  condition  to  resume 
my   command,   but   trust   that  I   shall   soon   be  restoi 
health,  when  I  shall  be  ready  for  any  duty  that  may  be  as- 
signed to  me. 

Very  rcspectfull v, 

FRANKLIN  BUCHANAN, 

TT        Q   p    .r  Flag  °IlC€r' 

Hon.  S.  R.  Mallory, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


Hollinger  Corp. 
PH8.5 


